13 MODIFICATION OF INTERNAL REVENUE LAW. Mr. KELLEY submitted the following res. olation ; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved, That the Committee of Ways aud Means be instructed to inquire into the expediency of immediately repealing the provisions of the internal rev: cnue law wbereby a tax of five per cent. is imposed on the products of the mechanical and manufacturing industry of the country. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Mr. STEVENS. I move that the Clerk now proceed to read the President's message, of which I send a copy to the desk. (Laughter.] The SPEAKER. The message has not yet been officially communicated to the House. Mr. STEVENS. The copy which I send up is that already issued in the official paper, the Constitutional Union, [laughter]—the paper published by Colonel Florence. Anything emanating from that source must, I presume, be authentic. [Renewed laughter.] However, I withdraw the motion. APPOINTMENTS OF POSTMASTERS. Mr. WARNER submitted the following res. olution; which was read, considered, and agreed to: Resolved. That the Committee on the Post Ofice and Post Roads be instructed to inquire whether any appointments of postmasters havo been made, or whether any postinasters now acting as such now hold the commissions or perform the duties of postmaster, in violation of section twenty-six of the act entitled "An act to change the organization of the Post Office and to provide moro cffectually for the settlement of the accounts thereof," passed July 2, 1836, with authority to report by bill or otherwise. MEETING OF THE NEXT CONGRESS. Mr. GARFIELD. I offer for action at the present time a bill to fix the time for the meeting of the next Congress. It provides that after the expiration of the present session the next meeting of Congress shall be at noon on the first Monday of March next. Mr. SCHENCK. I hope it will be ordered to be printed and made the special order for Tuesday next with my own proposition. Mr. GARFIELD. I desire action now, and demand the previous question. Mr. FINCK. Has it been regularly introduced? The SPEAKER. If when introduced objection had been made that notice had not been given of its introduction, it would not have been in order. Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. I hope it will be referred. Mr. GARFIELD. At the suggestion of several gentlemen, I move that it be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. The bill was read a first and second time, ordered to be printed, and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. JOIN GRAY. Mr. BINGHAM introduced a bill for the relief of John Gray; which was read a first and second time, and referred to the Committee on Invalid Pensions. COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS. Mr. LAWRENCE, of Ohio. I ask leave to introduce a bill to repeal so much of the act of Congress, approved July 28, 1866, as increases the compensation of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates in Congress. Mr. SPALDING. I object, as proper notice has not been given. Mr. LAWRENCE, of Ohio. I move to suspend the rules, and on that motion demand ibe yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were not ordered. Mr. STEVENS. I think we had better adjourn. The SPEAKER. The committee appointed to wait on the President has reported that he was ready to communicate with Congress to-day. The House refused to adiourn. IMPEACIIMENTS. following resolution; which was read, con SEC. 7. And be it further enacted, That in case the sidered, and agreed to: payments shall be made in the form of a check, order, or draft upon any paymaster, national bank, Resolved. That the Committee on the Judiciary be, or Governinent depository in or near the district and are hereby, instructed to inquire into tho cxpo- wherсin the claimant may reside, it shall be necesdiency of providing by general law & mode of pro- sary for the claimant to establish, by the affidavits cedure for trial of all cases of impeachment before of two credible witnesses, that he is the identical the Senate, and that said committee report by bill person named therein; but in no case shall such or otherwise. checks, orders, or drafts be mado negotiable until after such identification. EQUALIZATION OF BOUNTIES. SEC. 8. And le it further enacted, That it shall not Mr. SCHENCK introduced the following || bo lawful for any soldier, sailor, or marine to trans , barter, bill: ment, descriptivo list, or other papers, for the purA bill to equalize the bounties of soldiers, sailors, and pose of transferring, assigning, bartering, or selling marines who served in the late war for the Union. any interest in any bounty under the provisions of Be it enacted by the Senate and llouse of Representa this act; and all such transfers, assignments, barters, or sales heretofore mado are hereby declared null and tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That, instead of any grant of land or other void as to any rights intended so to be conveyed by any such soldicr, sailor, or marine. bounty, there shall be allowed and paid to each and ŠEC. 9. And be it further enacted, That no adjustevery soldier, sailor, and marino who faithfully ment or payment of any claim of any soldier, sailor, scrved as such in the Army, Navy, or Marine corps of the United States, and who has been, or who may or marine, or of his proper representatives, under the provisions of this act, shall be made unless the hereafter be, honorably discharged from such service, the sum of eight and one third dollars per application be filed within two years from the pas sage of the act; and the settlement of accounts of month, or at the rate of $100 per year, as bereinafter deceased soldiers, sailors, and marines shall be made provided, for all the time during which such soldier, in the same manner as now provided by law. sailor, or marine actually so served, between the SEC. 10. And be it further enacted, That sections 12th day of April, 1861, and the 19th day of April, 1865. And in the case of any such soldier, sailor, or twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, and șixteen of an marino, discharged froin the service on account of act making appropriations for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1867, wounds received in battle, or while engaged in the and for other purposes, approved July 28, 1866, are line of his duty, tbe said allowance of bounty shall hereby repealed. But if any money shall have been be computed and paid up to the end of the term of service for which his enlistment was made. And in paid to any person under the provisions of said seca tion so repealed, the amount thereof shall be deducted case of the death of any such soldier, sailor, or ma in each caso by the proper accounting officer from rine, while in the scrvice, or in case of his death after any sum to be allowed under this act. And any the discharge and before the end of his term of en application made for allowance of bounty under the listment, if discharged on account of being wounded, said act of July 28, 1866, with all tho evidence and as provided, the allowance and payment shall be papers submitted therewith, shall be taken and conmado to his widow if she has not been romarried, or sidered as filed under the requirements of this act, if thero bo no widow, then to the minor child or children of the deceased who may be under sixteen and shall be used hercunder for the benefit of the applicant as far as the same may be applicable. SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That in computing The bill was read a first and second time, ordered to be printed, and referred to the Com- G. E. PICKETT. any State, county, city, town, or other municipal Mr. SCHENCK also introduced the followorganization, or by any voluntary association, so that in no caso shall the aggregate amount of bounty || ing resolution, which was read, considered, and allowed and paid from all sources exceed eight and agreed to: one third dollars for each month of actual faithful Resolved, That the President of the United States service, or at the rate of $100 per year. And in tho case of any sailor or marine to whom prize money has be respectfully requested to communicate to this been paid, or is payable, the amount of such prize House, if not in his opinion incompatible with the money shall also be deducted, and only such amount public interests, the information asked for in a reso of bounty paid as shall, together with such prize lution of this House dated the 230 June last, and money and any other bounty paid or payable by the which resolution he has up to this time failed to anUnited States, or by any State, county, city, town, swer, as to whether any application has been made or other municipal organization, or by any volun to him for the pardon of G. E. Pickett, who acted as tary association, amount in the aggregate to the sum a major general of the rebel forces in the late var allowed by this act. for the suppression of insurrection, and if so, what SEC. 3. And be it further enacted, That no bounty, has been the action thereon; and also to communiunder the provisions of this act, shall be paid to or on cate copies of all papers, entries, indorsements, and other documentary evidence in relation to any proaccount of any soldier, sailor, or marine who served ceeding in connection with such application; and as a substitute in either the Army or Navy, or who that ho also inform this House whether, since the was a captured prisoner of war at the time of his enlistment, nor to any one who was discharged on his adjournment at Raleigh, North Carolina, on the 30th of March last, of the last board or court of inquiry, own application or request, prior to the 9th day of April, 1865, unless such discharge was obtained with convened to investigate the facts attending the hang ing of a number of United States soldiers for alleged a view to reënlistment, or to accept promotion in the inilitary or naval service of the United States, or to desertion from the rebel army, any further measures be transferred from ono branch of the military ser have been taken to bring the said Pickett or other vice to another, and such person did actually so perpetrators of that crime to punishment. reënlist or accept promotion or was so transferrod. Mr. SCHENCK moved to reconsider the And no bounty shall be paid to any soldier, sailor, or marine, discharged on the application or at the vote by which the resolution was referred; and request of parents, guardians, or other persons, or on also moved that the motion to reconsider be tho ground of minority. SEC. 4. And be it further enacted, That every peti laid upon the table. ด้านใน tion or application for bounty made under the pro The latter motion was agreed to. visions of this act shall disclose and state specifically MEXICO. under oath, and under the pains and penalties of perjury, what amount of bounty, either from the Mr. McKEE. I submit the following resoUnited States or from any other source, and what amount of prize money, if any, has been paid or is lution : payable to the soldier, sailor, or marine, by whom or Resolved, That the President be requested to comby whose representatives the claim is made. municate to this House, if in his opinion not incomSEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That whenever patiblo with the publio interest, any correspondence application shall be made by any claimant, through or other information in the possession of the Govany attorney or agent, the post office address of the ernment relative to the present condition of affairs claimant shall be furnished, giving the name of the in our sister republic of Mexico, and specially any county and State in which it is situated, and the letters of the minister at Washington. amount of commission or fee which the attorney or agent is to receive for his service in the settlement Mr. BANKS. I hope it will be referred to of the claim, which charges in no case shall exceed the Committee on Foreign Affairs. I have no the sum of five dollars; and every such application doubt the information will be sent with the shall be accompanied by the written affidavit of the President's message. attorney or agent, that he has not charged, nor agreed for, and will not accept more than such sum Mr. McKEE. I move to suspend the rules. of five dollars for his services in the case. The Pay- The rules were not suspended, and the resomaster General, or proper accounting officer of the lution was laid over for one day. Treasury, upon ascertaining the amount due, shall cause to be transmitted to such claimant the full PREËMPTION LAWS. amount thereof, less the fee to be paid to the attorney or agent, which' fee shall be paid to the said attorney Mr. JULIAN introduced a bill amendatory or agent in person, or transmitted to such address as the attorney may direct. of the preëmption laws, and for other purposes; SEC. 6. And be it further enacted, That any attorney which was read a first and second time, and or agent who shall receive from any claimant a sum referred to the Committee on Public Lands. greater than five dollars for the prosecution of any claim under the provisions of this act, upon convic- INDEPENDENT COMPANY OF EXEMPTS. tion thereof shall pay a fine not to exceed the gum of $1,000, or imprisonment for a term not less than Mr. HUBBARD, of West Virginia, introone year, or both, as the court or jury may adjudge, duced a bill for the relief of Captain Robert and shall be forever thereafter excluded from prose Hamilton's independent company of exempts cuting claims of any nature whatever against the Government of the United States. of West Virginia volunteer infantry; which was read a first and second time, and referred Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. I move a navy-yard and naval station for the upper lakes, to the Committee on Military Affairs. that the message and accompanying documents at Cleveland, Ohio. The call of the States and Territories having be referred to the Committee of the Whole on Also, a bill for the relief of R. C. Spalding, pay master in the United States Navy. been completed, the Speaker announced as the the state of the Union, and printed, and on Also, a bill for the protection of the piers, broak, next business in order the calling of the com- that I demand the previous question. waters, and harbor improvements of the United mittees for reports, beginning with the Com- Mr. BANKS. I ask the gentleman to allow States. mittee of Elections. me to offer this as an amendment: Mr. FARNSWORTH moved that the House IN SENATE. TUESDAY, December 4, 1866. pers relating to Mexican affairs, be printed for the use of the Housc, in forms separate from the general Prayer by the Chaplain, Rev. E. H. Gray. eyes 62, noes 63. documents accompanying the message. The SPEAKER proceeded with the call as The Journal of yesterday was read and Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. I think the approved. far as the Committee of Claims. Hon. Charles R. BUCKALEW, of PennsylvaMr. STEVENS. I move that the House | gentleman had better refer that to the Committee on Printing. nia; Hon. GEORGE READ RIDDLE, of Delaware ; adjourn. The message has been sent all over Mr. BANKS. We want a certain number Hon. John B. HENDERSOx, of Missouri; Hon. the country. of these printed separately. WILLIAM M. STEWART, of Nevada; and Hon. Mr. PHELPS. On that motion I demand Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. But we Thomas A. HENDRICKS, of Indiana, appeared the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. certainly want them to go with the general || in their seats. PETITIONS. Mr. WILSON presented two petitions of MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT. order, the report of the Secretary of State and officers of the United States Army praying for A message in writing was received from the correspondence relative to Mexican affairs the President of the United States by Colonel will be on cur tables to-morrow; if not, we an increase of pay; which were ordered to lie ROBERT JOHnson, his Private Secretary. may have to wait for it for some time. upon the table. Extra RECONSTRUCTION. Mr. STEVENS. I understand it will take copies can be ordered, if desirable. over an hour to read that message. I move to Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. I have no Mr. SUMNER. I desire to give notice that postpone the reading till to-morrow. objection to that, and will accept it as a modi- I shall to-morrow or some subsequent day ask The SPEAKER. The gentleman will first fication of my motion. leave to introduce resolutions declaring the true have to withdraw the motion to adjourn. The previous question was seconded and the principles of reconstruction; the jurisdiction of Mr. STEVENS. I withdraw it. main question ordered; and under the opera- Congress over the whole subject; the illegality The SPEAKER then laid before the House tion thereof Mr. Washburne's motion was of the existing governments in the rebel States; the President's message. agreed to. and the exclusion of such States with such ille. Mr. STEVENS. I now move to postpone Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois, moved to gal governments from representation in Conthe reading till to-morrow. reconsider the vote by which the resolution gress, and from voting on constitutionalamendThe motion was disagreed to-ayes thirty was agreed to; and also moved to lay the mo- ments. four, noes not counted. tion to reconsider upon the table. PAPERS WITIIDRAWN. Mr. EGGLESTON. I move that the House The latter motion was agreed to. On motion of Mr. MORGAN, it was take a recess till three o'clock, and then have LEAVE OF ABSENCE. Ordered, That S. P. Todd, lato a purser in the Unithe message read. ted States Navy, have leave to withdraw from tho The motion was disagreed to. Mr. SPALDING asked and obtained leave files of the Senate bis petition and papers, praying The Clerk then read the President's annual of absence for four days for Mr. Taylor, of for componsation for loss of clothing, &c., while on message. board the St. Lawrence. BILLS INTRODUCED. the Appendix.] EXTRA COPIES OF THE MESSAGE. Mr. PATTERSON asked, and by unani. Mr. STEVENS said: Ve all us have a mous consent obtained, leave to introduce a printing of Gfty thousand extra copies of the copy of this message, and our friends who gave President's message and accompanying docu bill (S. No. 454) for the relief of the widow of us notice are waiting for our reception. Now, ments; which was referred under the law to Jacob Harmon; which was read twice by its it will take three quarters of an hour longer to title. the Committee on Printing. read the message, and I move the further read Mr. PATTERSON. I desire the bill to go And then, on motion of Mr. WASHBURNE, ing be postponed till to-morrow. to the Committee on Pensions. The question being taken, there were-ayes of Illinois, (at ten minutes before three o'clock The PRESIDENT pro tempore. It will lie 60, noes 50. p. m.,) the House adjourned. on the table for the present, as the committees Mr. DAWSON. I demand the yeas and have not yet been appointed. nays. PETITIONS. Mr. PATTERSON also asked, and by unaniThe yeas and nays were ordered. The following petitions were presented under the mous consent obtained, leave to introduce a The question being taken, it was decided in rule, and referred to the appropriate committoos : bill (S. No. 455) for the relief of the widow of By Mr. HUBBARD, of West Virginia: The petithe negative-yeas 64, nays 65, not voting 71; tion of members of company A, independent ex Henry Fry; which was read twice by its title as follows: empts of West Virginia voluntcor infanty, asking and ordered to lie on the table. YEAS-Messrs. Allison, Arnell, James M, Ashley, payment of bounty provided by law for soldiers on GOVERNMENT ADVERTISING. Mr. CRESWELL submitted the following Driggs, Eggleston, Abner C. Harding, Hawkins, Hen- By Mr. RICE, of Massachusetts: Tho petition of derson, Iligby, Ilill, Holmes, Chester D. Hubbard, Samuel Picrco, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, for resolution; which was considered by unaniJohn H. Hubbard, James R. Hubbell, Ingersoll, Kel- renewal of his patent for improvement in cooking mous consent, and agreed to: ley, Kelso, Koontz, William Lawrence, McIndoe, stoves, Resolved, That tho Socretary of the Treasury be, McKec, Mercur, Miller, Moorhead, Morrill, Moul and he is hereby, directed to inform the Senate what ton, Myers, Newell, O'Neill, Orth, Paine, Perham, Pike, Plants, Price, Rollins, Sawyer. Schenck, Sco NOTICES OY BILLS. amountof money has been paid or ordered to be paid since the 18th day of May last to the several newsfeld, Shellabargor, Starr, Stevens, Stokes, Trowbridge, Upson, Van Aernam. Robert T. Van Horn, The following notices for leave to introduce bills papers printed and published in the District of Cowere given under the rule: lumbia for advertising notices and proposals for each Henry D. Washburn, Welker, Wentworth, Williams, Dy Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio: A bill to enable loyal of the Executive Departments of the Government; Stephen F. Wilson, and Windom-64. NAYS-Messrs. Ames, Ancona, Banks, Barker, citizops residing in tho districts of country recently and that he further inform the Senate of the number Beaman, Bingham, Blaine, Boutwell, Boyer, Branin rebellion against the United States to organize and character of the advertisements for which said degee, Campbell, Dawes, Dawson, Defrees, Dixon, constitutional State governinents in cach of the money was paid, and the name of every officer of the Donnelly, Eckley, Eldridge, Eliot, Ferry, Finck, States whose governments were usurped or over- Government who approved each of the bills for said tbrown, and for other purposes. advertisements or directed the same to be paid; and Glossbrenner. Hale, Aaron Harding, Hayes, Hise, Hooper, Hulburd. Jenckes, Kasson, Ketchain, Kuy Also, a bill to change the boundary of the Territory also that he inform the Senate when, and in what kendall. Laflin, Latham, George V. Lawrence. Le of Montana, and for other purposes. manner, the extent of the circulation of the daily Blond, Leftwich, Loan, Lynch, Marshall, Maynard, Also, a bill for the admission of Nebraska and Col- newspapers printed in the city of Washington or Meluer, Niblack, Nicholson, Noell, Patterson, orado into the Union as States on an equal footing elsewhere in the District of Columbia was determined, Phelps, Samuel J. Randall, William H. Randall, with the original States. and that he furnish copies of the sworn statements Alexander H. Rice, John H. Rice, Ritter, Rousseau, By Mr. ELIOT : A bill to ropeal the tbirteenth of the publishers of said newspapers in support of section of an act entitled "An act to suppress insur their claim to have the largest circulation. Sbanklin, Sitgreaves, Spalding, Nathaniel G. Tay. lor, Francis Thomas, John L. Thomas. Trimble, rection, to punish treason and rebellion, and to seize FRENCH TROOPS IN MEXICO. Andrew H. Ward, Warner, Elihu B. Washburne, and confiscate the property of rebels, and for other William B. Washburn, and Whaley-65. parposes," approved July 17, 1862. Mr. CHANDLER. I now move to take up NOT VOTING-Messrs. Alley, Anderson, Delos By Mr. JULIAN: An act to amend and make the resolution that I offered yesterday. R. Ashley. Baldwin, Benjamin, Bergen, Bromwell, general the preëmption laws of the United States. Buckland, Bundy, Chanler, Conkling, Cook, Cooper, Also, an act providing civil governments for the The PRESIDENT pro tempore. It will be districts lately in revolt against the United States, read for information. Calver, Davis, Delano, Deming, Denison, Dumont and for the restoration of said districts to their forParagworth, Farquhar, Garfield, Goodyear, Grinnell, The Secretary read the resolution as follows: feited rights as States of the Union. Griswold, Harris, Hart, Hogan, Hotchkiss, Asahel W. Hubbard, Demas Hubbard, Edwin N. Hubbell, Hum Also, a bill to equalize the bounties of soldiers Resolved, That the President be requested to comphrey. Johnson, Jones, Julian, Kerr, Longyear, who served in the late war for the Union. municate to this House, if in his opinion not incon By Mr. LAWRENCE, of Ohio: A bill to repeal sistent with the public interest, any correspondenco Marston, Marvin, McClurg, McCullough, Morris, Pomeroy, Radford, Raymond, Rogers, Koss, Sloan, the provisions of the law of last session, increasing or other information in his possession in regard to the day of Senators, Representatives, and Delegates the following points : Stilwell, Strouse, Taber, Nelson Taylor, Thayer, in Congress. 1. Whether the French Emperor has complied with Thornton, Bart Van Horn, Hamilton Ward, James Also, a bill to reduce the milenge of members of his announcement toward the United States to with7. Wilson, Winfield, Woodbridge, and Wright-il. Congress. draw one third of the French troops in Moxioo during So the motion was disagreed to. By Mr. SPALDING: A bill making provision for the month of November last. 8 THE CONGRESSIONAL GLOBE. December 4, It is sugi 2. Whether any number of said French troops has The Secretary read it, as follows: Now, sir, if I saw a necessity for immediate been withdrawn in accordance with that announce Be it enacted, &c., That the thirteenth section of an action on this matter, a pressing necessity for ment. act entitled "An act to suppress insurrection, to pun. 3. Whether, if, as it appears, no troops have been prompt action, I should be willing to take up ish treason and rebellion, to seize and confiscate the withdrawn, the French Emperor has offered any exproperty of rebels, and for other purposes," approved the bill for consideration at once. planation or apolgy for his course, or whether ho has July 17, 1862, be, and the same is hereby, repealed. gested aside that the matter is pressing because proposed a different understanding by which the withdrawal will be delayed. Mr. SHERMAN, I should like to have that the President may do several things under the 4. What action, if any, the Government has taken thirteenth section read. act of 1862 which the repeal of the law would to see that understanding carried out. The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The read, prevent his doing. Suppose it to be so; the Ir. SUMNER. Mr. President, I doubting of the section referred to in the bill is asked President has ten days to consider every bill whether it is expedient to proceed to the con- for. It will be read. that is submitted to him, and if this bill should sideration of that resolution now. It seems to The Secretary read as follows: be passed by the Senate, and he is disposed to me, all things considered, that it would be “Sec. 13 And be it further enacted, That the Presi act in the way suggested, he has ten days within advisable to refer the resolution to the Com- dent is hereby authorized, at any time hereafter, by which he might do whatever he might choose mittee on Foreign Relations. It touches a very proclamation, to extend to persons who may have to do before the bill was either approved by participated in the existing rebellion in any Stato or important question; and the Senate, even in part thereof, pardon and amnesty, with such excep him or disapproved and returned so that it listening to it, as they have now that it has been tions and at such time and on such conditions as he could be acted on by Congress. Then I do read from the desk, must be struck by some of may deem expedient for the public welfare." not see any advantage that is to be gained by the language that is employed. I do not pre Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, I have immediate action and by breaking over a rule sume now to criticise it; I do not know that some doubts whether it was necessary in the which is a most valuable one, and which I the language may not be proper; but I have first instance for Congress to pass the section shall hereafter on all occasions, except those my doubts; and under the circumstances it which it is now proposed to repeal. The power which are very pressing, insist upon, that every seems to me that the resolution had better lie of pardon is given by the Constitution to the bill which is brought in for our consideration on the table until our committees are formed, Executive; and the only necessity for the ori- should be first submitted to the scrutiny and and that the resolution should then be referred | ginal act now sought to be repealed was a doubt, || examination of a committee. That is my view to the Committee on Foreign Relations. I suppose, whether under that power the Pres- in regard to it, and with that view I shall vote The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Does the ident of the United States could pardon all, in against taking up the bill at the present time. Senator make a motion? the form of a general amnesty. I am not pre- Mr. HOWARD. Mr. President, this bill Mr. SUMNER. Under the circumstances pared to say whether he could or could not do was passed by the House of Representatives I think it not advisable to take up the resolu it; but it is a question that is certainly open yesterday, I understand, and it has not been tion. If it should be taken up, I should feel for deliberation. If he could do it under the referred to a committee of the Senate. It is bound to move that it lie on the table until the Constitution as it is, the original act was wholly to be supposed that the House of Representaformation of the committees, so that it might unnecessary; but if he could not do it under || tives saw some reason satisfactory to them for be properly considered. the Constitution, without the authority of Con- speedy action on this subject. There can be Mr. CHANDLER. I hope the resolution gress, in the form in which Congress author- no doubt that the general power of pardon, of will be taken up: It is a mere resolution of ized him to do it, by a declaration of general pardoning offenses, is granted in its plenitude inquiry on a subject of deep interest to the amnesty, he could certainly issue a pardon to by the Constitution of the United States to the country. There is nothing in it, I think, to every one of the parties who might stand in a President, and no act such as that from which which exception can be taken. I hope the situation requiring to be pardoned. Over that an extract has been read is necessary to be resolution will be taken up and acted upon. power of course Congress has no control. Prac. || passed by Congress in order to confer on the Mr. SAULSBURY. I hope the Senate of tically, the question is of little or no moment, President the power of pardon. I do not supthe United States will not adopt a resolution I suppose; for the President has issued no pose, sir, that the necessity for repealing the couched in such language. I know the hon- || general amnesty. The amnesty which he has thirteenth section of the confiscation act of orable mover did not mean to use language issued is less extensive than that which was 1862 arises from the mere fact that the Presithat one Government onght not to present to issued by his predecessor. But, at any rate, dent of the United States has the power of another; but on inspection it will be found that under the circumstances, I submit to the Sen- pardon and may exercise it. I take it for the words he uses are such as one Government | ate, as there is no occasion now for prompt | granted that there is some other evil, either ought not to use to another; for instance, it action, whether it is not advisable that this bill, existing or apprehended, which has led to the inquires whether the Emperor of the French relating to a very important question of con- | speedy enactment by the House of Representhas offered an apology. I am satisfied that I stitutional power, should go to some commit- atives of the bill now before us. I take it for have made my objection sufficiently to the tee, either the Judiciary Counmittee, if the Sen. || granted, sir, that the great object of this bill Senate without offering another word. There ate should think that proper, or some other is, if possible, to prevent an unwise restoration is language in that resolution that I cannot committee selected by the Senate. I hope that, of property to persons who have heretofore vote for. instead of being acted on now, it will take that been engaged in the rebellion, by the PresiThe PRESIDENT pro tempore. The ques. course; and if nobody else makes the motion, dent of the United States, under the confiscation is, Will the Senate now proceed to the I move, as the committees are not yet ap- tion act of 1862; and if I have been rightly consideration of the resolution which has just pointed, that the bill lie on the table to be informed there is a necessity for the speedy been read? referred to the Committee on the Judiciary action of Congress upon this subject. Mr. SUMNER. I say again that I hope at when that committee shall have been appointed. I do not understand that the power of restorthis day the Senate will not proceed with its The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair | ing forfeited property to offenders under the consideration. I have no desire to avoid a will suggest that the bill has not yet been taken confiscation act is a power legitimately included discussion of the topics in that resolution on up. The motion is that the Senate now proceed in the constitutional power of pardoning ofany proper occasion. The Senate is aware to its consideration. fenses. It seems to me to be a distinct and that the President at some length has stated Mr. JOHNSON. If it be taken up I shall || separate function conferred on the President what he has done on the matters referred to make the motion which I have indicated. by the confiscation act; and I have great fear in that resolution; in short, to a certain extent Mr. FESSENDEN. I do not know, sir, myself that proceedings have been had under he has anticipated that resolution, and he has that I shall not be in favor of passing this bill the confiscation act in the way of restoring for. announced to us that he will communicate or as it stands ; but it is unnecessary that I feited property to rebels with which the coun. has communicated the correspondence on the should say anything on that subject at the try will not be very generally satisfied when subject. Under those circumstances I do not present time. My conviction is, and has been they come to understand all the facts of the think it advisable that we should to-day adopt for some time, that no bill ought to be allowed I suppose that the bill now before us is a resolution the language of which, I think, I to pass the Senate without having previously | intended to foreclose and put an end to this has not been carefully considered; and under been examined and considered by a committee | restoration of rebel property by the President the circumstances I think it advisable that it of the body. It is true that of late years, since of the United States, so far as it is practicable should pass under the eye of a committee of the war commenced, we have been in the habit for us to do so; and for one I hope the bill this body. of doing things with some considerable rapid- will be taken up and acted upon speedily, withThe motion to take up the resolution was ity, and on several occasions have passed bills out unnecessary delay; and I see no necessity not agreed to. without sending them to a committee. There for referring the bill to the Committee on the may be occasions when it is admissible to do Judiciary or to any other committee of this POWER OF AMNESTY AND PARDON. so, when time is pressing, and it is important body. We all know quite well what the thirMr. CHANDLER, I now move that the to do the thing desired and it may be readily 1 teenth section of the confiscation act of 1862 Senate proceed to the consideration of House and casily understood. But, sir, I need not is. The object of this present bill is simple, bill No. 828. remind the Senate that on several occasions and aims only to the repeal of that thirtecnth The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The title when we have passed bills with the idea that | section. The repeal of that section, I take it, of the bill will be read for information. we understood them perfectly, we have found will, for the future, prevent the President of The SECRETARY. "A bill to repeal section afterward that we have got ourselves into dif- the United States from attempting to restore thirteen of an act to suppress insurrection, | ficulty and had been so unfortunate as to act to its former owners property which has beto punish treason and rebellion, to seize and very unadvisedly and very injuriously. No come confiscated on account of those owners confiscate the property of rebels, and for other particular instance now occurs to me; but the having been engaged in the rebellion. purposes, approved July 17, 1862." fact is impressed on my mind that there have Mr. CHANDLER. Mr. President, I think Mr. SUMNER, Let the bill be read, so been instances of that kind, and gentlemen | if there ever was a case when the prompt action that we may see what is in it. will undoubtedly recollect them. of Congress was needed, it is this. It is alleged case. an PROVOST MARSUAL GENERAL FRY. that hundreds of millions of dollars worth of excitement. I do not think any such inference the resolution introduced yesterday by Mr. property confiscated under the law have under would properly arise. It seems to me that Eliot, reported back the following as that section been restored by the President. there is the best of all reasons patent upon the additional rule, upon the adoption of which The country expects us to act promptly in this face of the Journal for proceeding to the con- he demanded the previous question : case. It is alleged that pardons are for sale sideration of this bill. That is what I under- There shall be appointed, at the commencement for money around the streets of this town by stand to be the motion: it is not a motion that of overy Congress, a standing Committee on Freedwomen of at least doubtful reputation, and with the bill pass immediately, but that we proceed men, to consist of nine inembers, whose duty it shall be to take charge of all matters concerning freedthose pardons property has been restored to to the consideration of it now. That very good men which shall be referred to them by the House. the amount of millions. Sir, if there ever was reason of which I spoke, it seems to me, arises The previous question was seconded and the an occasion that required prompt action, in from the fact that the bill is pending here, and main question ordered. my judgment that occasion is now, and this I do not know that we have anything else to do. Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. I modify bill is that occasion. If the President has | I do not know of any better opportunity to the resolution so as to call the committee the powers under the Constitution, let him exercise proceed to the consideration of it. Committee on Freedmen's Affairs, instead of them; but in God's name give him no greater There is another reason which it seems to me the Committee on Freedmen. power than he possesses under the Constitution, | supports the motion very strongly, and that is The resolution, as modified, was agreed to. to exercise as they have been exercised for the that nobody seems to have any sort of objection Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois, moved to last twelve months. I hope that the Senate to this bill. I understand the Senator from reconsider the vote by which the resolution will take up this bill and pass it as promptly as Illinois and the Senator from Maine both to the House of Representatives did. The House say that they are not satisfied with the powers was agreed to; and also moved to lay the motion to reconsider upon the table. suspended the rules and passed it within the granted in the section of the act of 1862 which The latter motion was agreed to. hour, and the country looks to the Senate to it is proposed by this bill to repeal. I underact with as vipuch promptness as the House. stood the Senator from Illinois to say that he I hope, sir, there will be no delay, and no ref- believes the powers granted there are not only Mr. ECKLEY, by unanimous consent, witherence of this bill. I hope it will be passed unjust in theinselves, but that they have been drew the following preamble and resolution this morning. abused. I did not know myself that they had offered on the 23d of July, 1866: The PRESIDENT pro tempore put the ques- been abused, but I do not think they are powers Whercas, on the 30th of April, a lettor, purporting tion on the motion to proceed to the consider- which we should vest in any one, and I do not to be written by General Fry, was read in this House, together with sundry documents accompanying it, ation of the bill. think there is any occasion for our assenting to which letter was grossly libelous, and reflected upon Mr. CHANDLER called for the yeas and them any longer. If we had other and more the public and private character of a member; and nays, and they were ordered. important business to attend to now that would whereas the House having ordered an inquiry as to said letter and its truth or fnlsity; and whereas, for Mr. TRUMBULL. Mr. President, I was not be a reason for postponing the consideration that purposo, a select committee was raised, which very well satisfied with the confiscation bill of this bill; but as I know of nothing else, I committee has ascertained and reported said letter when we passed it, as I suppose every Senator shall vote to proceed to its consideration. to have been false and malicious: Therefore, who was here at that time very well knows, Resolved, That the Judiciary Committce be in The question being taken by yeas and nays, structed to inquire and report whether any breach of and I think that the power granted by the resulted-yeas 21, nays 21; as foilows: the privileges of the House not sufficiently reported clause which it is now proposed to repeal has YEAS-Messrs. Cattell, Chandler, Conness, Cres upon by said select coinmitteo has been comiitted been very grossly abused; but I am not aware well, Edmunds, Fowler, Frelinghuysen, Harris, in connection with writing or sending said letter, the of any confiscated property that is now about | Ross, Sherinan, Stewart, Sumner, Wade, Williams, documents accompanying the same, or the introducHenderson, Howard, Ilowe. Lane, Pomeroy, Ramsey, tion thereof into the House, or causing the same to to be restored. The report of the Commis- and Wilson-21. be read in the House, or entered upon the record of sioner of the Freedmen's Bureau, made at the NAYS-Messrs. Anthony, Buckalcw, Davis, Dixon, tho House, or making the same public; and if so, by last session of Congress, shows that lands of Doolittle, Fessenden, Fogs. Foster, Grimes, Hendricks, whom, and what action, if any, should be taken; and Johnson, Kirkwood, Morgan, Nesmith, Norton, Pat that said committee also inquire and report whether rebels which had been taken possession of as terson, Riddle, Saulsbury, Trumbull, Van Winkle, the said libel has been republished or renewed by the said General Fry, or any other person since the terconfiscated property were subsequently, by and Willex ABSENT-Messrs. Brown, Cowan, Cragin, Guthrie, mination of the session of said committee; and if so, order of the President, restored to their previ. McDougall, Morrill, Nye, Poland, Sprague, and by whom, and whether any or what action ought to ous owners; but I do not know that at this Yates-10. be had theroon; and that said committee have power to send for persons and papers. time there is any property likely to be restored So the motion of Mr. CHANDLER was not under this clause of the confiscation act. INDIAN HOSTILITIES. agreed to. It is very probable that I shall vote for this Mr. WILSON. I move that the Senate do The SPEAKER laid before the House a bill repealing the clause under consideration ; now adjourn. communication from the Secretary of War, in bat I think there is very great force in the sug. The motion was agreed to; and the Senate reply to a resolution of the House of June 7, gestion made by the Senator from Maine, that || adjourned. 1866, transmitting reports of the Quartermasit is always safer to refer a bill to some one of ter General, the Paymaster General, and the our committees. The committees are not yet HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Commissary General, as to the amounts exformed. There is now no committee to which this bill can be referred. I know of no press TUESDAY, December 4, 1866. pended in suppressing Indian hostilities dur ing the years 1864 and 1865; which was laid ing necessity for the passage of the bill to-day. The House met at twelve o'clock m. Prayer upon the table and ordered to be printed. I will not commit myself to say that it ought || by the Chaplain, Rev. C. B. Boynton. REPORT ON THE CURRENCY. to pass at all. I should like to be better in- The Journal of yesterday was read and formed than I am to-day before voting upon it. | approved. The SPEAKER also laid before the House My impressions certainly are in its favor; but The following Representatives and Delegates the report of the Comptroller of the Currency; I think we had better act deliberately and appeared in addition to those heretofore re- which was referred to the Committee on understandingly, and not under excitement, as ported: Banking and the Currency, and ordered to be if we had come together and were in a great Vermont-Frederick E. Woodbridge. printed. borry to repeal this statute which we ourselves Massachusetts—John B. Alley. CURRENCY, passed only three or four years ago. I trust Connecticut-Henry C. Deming. The SPEAKER stated as the regular order that the measure will not be forced to a vote New York-Stephen Taber, Teunis G. Ber- of business, the consideration, as a special at the present time; I trust that the Senate gen, Henry, J. Raymond, Charles Goodyear, order, of bill of the House No.771, to amend will not take it up for consideration now. I John A. Griswold, Hamilton Ward, and Theo- an act entitled "An act to provide a national koow of nothing to be gained by that course. dore M. Pomeroy. currency, secured by a pledge of United States I tbink it is a bad practice; and unless some Pennsylvania–M. Russell Thayer, and Myer bonds, and to provide for the circulation and Senator will show that there is danger of propStrouse. redemption thereof, and for other purposes.” , erty being restored, that there is some pressing Illinois-Burton C. Cook. Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. I move necessity for action to-day, I trust the motion Missouri-George W. Anderson. to recommit the bill to the Committee on Bankwill not be pressed, or if it is pressed before Iowa-James F. Wilson. ing and Currency. There was a good deal of the Senate, that we shall not proceed to the Wisconsin-Ithamar C. Sloan. discussion on this bill at the last session, and consideration of the bill. If reasons were Washington Territory-A. A. Denny. recommendations have since been made by the given showing that this power is to be abused New Mexico J. Francisco Chaves. Treasury Department and by the Currency between to-day and to-morrow or next day, I Colorado-Allen A. Bradford. Bureau which will affect the bill. I therefore would not object to considering the bill at QUALIFICATION OF A MEMBER. move that the bill be recommitted, and on that once, bat knowing no reason and none having Mr. BERGEN, My colleague, John W. motion I ask the previous question. been stated, I think we had better let the bill take the ordinary course. HUNTER, elected to fill the vacancy occasioned Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Is it in order for me to say a few words in dissent of Mr. HOWE. Mr. President, if the yeas and | by the decease of James Humphrey, is present and wishes to be sworn in. that proposition ? Days had not been called for upon this motion, Mr. Honter appeared and qualified by takof course I should have said nothing about it; The SPEAKER. It is not, pending the call for the previous question. and even then I do not know that I should havé || ing the prescribed oath. Mr. SPALDING. I demand the regular Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. I ask the said a word but for an expression which has order of business. gentleman from Massachuseits [Mr. Hooper) jast been dropped by the Senator from Illinois. to withdraw his call for the previous question, I propose to vote for the motion; but I should COMMITTEE ON FREEDMEN'S AFFAIRS. with the understanding that I will renew it be unwilling that any one should infer from Mr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois, from the in after I have stated to the House my reasons that vote that I was acting under any undue Il Committee on Rules, to whom was referred opposition to the motion to recommit this bill. Mr. INGERSOLL. I call for the reading Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. I will also reported back, with a recommendation ciary be, and they are hereby, instructed to inquiro withdraw the call for the previous question that it do not pass, House bill No. 576, to an- into the expediency of ropcaling so much of said act with that understanding: thorize the employment of additional counsel as provides for an increase of the pay of members of Congress, and that they report by bill or otherwise. Mr. RANDALL, of Pennsylvania. Mr. in cases of claims depending against the Gov The previous question was seconded and the Speaker, this bill occupied the attention of the ernment of the United States, and moved that Committee on Banking and Currency during the same be laid on the table. main question ordered ; and under the opera tion thereof the resolution was agreed to. nearly six months of the last session of Con. The motion was agreed to. Mr. COBB moved to reconsider the vote by gress. I fear thut if it is recommitted now it FORFEITURE OF REAL ESTATE. which the resolution was agreed to ; anıl also will not receive, during this short session, that consideration which its present status upon the Mr. WILLIAMS, from the same committee, || moved that the motion to reconsider be laid on files of the House will be likely to secure it. I also reported back, with a recommendation the table. think we are as competent to consider in the that it do not pass, House joint resolution No. The latter motion was agreed to. House the recommendations made by the Sec12, to repeal a portion of the joint resolution DESERTIONS OF DRAFTED MEN. retary of the Treasury in his report in connec explanatory of an act to suppress insurrection with this bill as the Committee on Banktion, to punish treason and rebellion, to seize olution, on which he demanded the previous Mr. PAINE submitted the following reg. ing and Currency will be. and confiscate property of rebels, and for other question: Therefore fearing that the reforms which the purposes, approved July 17, 1862, and moved Resolved, That the Secretary of War be directed to bill, as reported at the last session, would ac- that the same be laid upon the table. communicato to this House the names of all persons complish in the banking system of the country The bill was laid upon the table, and the who, having been duly enrolled and drafted into the may not be enacted into a law if it is now re- report accompanying it was ordered to be military and naval service of the United States, failed to report to tho proper authorities under such committed, I trust the House will not adopt printed. draft, showing the districts and sub-districts in which the motion of the gentleman from Massachu NATIONAL CURRENCY. they were severally enrolled and drafted; also, the names of all persons who, under the provisions of setts. If the gentleman is not ready to proceed Mr. WILLIAMS, from the same committee, the twenty-first section of the act entitled "An act with the consideration of the bill at this time, | reported back, with a recommendation that it to amend the several acts heretofore passed to prolet it be postponed to some definite day, a vide for enrolling and calling out the national forces, pass, a bill (H. R. No. 560) entitled “An act and for other purposes," approved March 3, 1865, week or ten days hence, when the subject can to amend an act entitled 'An act to provide a forfeited their rights of citizenship and their right have full and fair consideration. I hope, there- national currency secured by pledge of United to become citizens, and became foreverincapable of fore, the motion of the gentleman from Massa- States bonds, and to provide for the circulation holding any office of trust or profit under the United States, or of exercising any right of citizens thereof, chusetts will not prevail, but that the House and redemption thereof."" by desertion from the military or naval service, will postpone the subject to some future day. The SPEAKER. As this bill comes up for showing the residence, and the company and regiI now renew the demand for the previous ques- consideration now, it will be reported at length. ment or ship of each deserter, tion. Mr. STEVENS. I suggest to my friend The SPEAKER. This being a call for execMr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. In order, from Pennsylvania (Mr. Williams) that it is utive information, unanimous consent is necesif possible, to meet the views of the gentleman unnecessary to have this bill read now. Let sary for its consideration on this day. from Pennsylvania, (Mr. RANDALL,) I will it be postponed till some early day. Mr. ANCONA. I object to its consideration modify my motion by adding to it that the Mr. WILLIAMS. Very well. I move that now, Let it lie over. committee have leave to report at any time. the bill be postponed until Thursday of next The SPEAKER. Objection being made to The SPEAKER. That will require unani- || week, after the morning hour, be made a spe its consideration, the resolution lies over under mous consent, as the rules cannot be suspended || cial order for that time, and from day to day || the rule. on this day. until disposed of. INTERNAL TAXATION. Mr. PRICE introduced a bill to amend an of the bill. Mr. PRICE. I move that the bill be or- act entitled "An act to reduce internal taxaMr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. Let the dered to be printed. tion,” &c., approved July 13, 1866; which was bill be read that we may know what it is. The motion was agreed to. read a first and second time, and referred to Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts. Why the Committee of Ways and Means. should the time of the House be taken up by CIVIL SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES. reading this bill? It is a very long one, covo MICHIGAN HARBORS. Mr. JENCKES, from the select committee ering some twenty printed pages. on the civil service of the United States, re Mr. FERRY submitted the following resolaThe Clerk commenced the reading of the ported back a bill (H. R. No. 673) entitled "An tion; which was read, considered, and agreed to : bill, but before concluding, act to regulate the civil service of the United Resolved, That the Committee on Commerce bo Mr. ASHLEY, of Ohio, moved to dispense | States, and to promote the efficiency thereof;"' instructed to inquire into the expediency of making with the further reading. appropriations for such harbors on the western coast which was read a first and second time, and, of the State of Michigan as have been surveyed by The SPEAKER. That will require unani- on motion of Mr. JExckes, ordered to be the General Government the current year, upon offmous consent. printed, and recommitted. cial report and estimates by the engineer departMr. WASHBURNE, of Illinois. I object. ment of the amounts requisito for the same, and that CALL OF STATES. they report by bill or otherwise. The Clerk resumed the reading of the bill, but before concluding, The SPEAKER proceeded, as the next CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT. Mr. HOOPER, of Massachusetts, said: I business in order, to call the States and Ter- Mr. INGERSOLL. I submit the following ask that by unanimous consent the further || ritories, in inverse order, for the introduction resolution: reading of the bill be dispensed with, in order of resolutions and of bills on leave. Resolved, That the President of the United States is hereby respectfully requested to inform this House, that I may move that the bill be postponed SOLDIERS' BOUNTIES-PAY OF MEMBERS. if in his opinion not incompatible with the public until the third Tuesday of December, and made Mr. COBB submitted the following resolu interest, how near the verge of the Government the the special order for that day after the morn present body called a Congress" is at present; and if ing hour. Upon consultation with several of tion, on which he demanded the previous it is not nearer the center then he formerly supposed. my colleagues upon the Committee on Banking question: [Laughter.] and Currency, I find that such a disposition of Whereas sections twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fif- Mr. ELDRIDGE demanded the yeas and teen, and sixteen of the act making appropriations the subject will be satisfactory. nays on the adoption of the resolution. for sundry civil expenses of the Government for the No objection was made ; and the further year ending June 30. 1867, and for other purposes, The House divided; and there were-ayes reading of the bill was accordingly dispensed approved July 28, 1866, which scctions of said act twenty. provide for the payment of an additional bounty to with. Mr. LE BLOND called for tellers. certain soldiers of the Union Army, were prepared The bill was then postponed until Tuesday, and passed in great haste, and without ducexomina Tellers were not ordered; and the yeas and the 18th instant, and made the special order tion or consideration by the members of either House nays were not ordered. of Congress, by reason of which the said sections are for that day after the morning hour. The resolution was then rejected. RESPONSE TO TIE PRESIDENT. equalization of bounties; and whereas sections ser- Mr. WENTWORTH submitted the follow. increase of the pay of members of Congress, wero now commenced. The first business in order ing resolution, and demanded the previous attached to said bill and adopted in great haste in is the calling of committees for reports, com- the closing hours of the session, receiving but a baro question on its adoption: mencing with the Committee on Commerce, majority of votes in a very thin House, and being Resolved, In response to that portion of the Presibelieved to bo of questionable propriety as well in dent's messago which relates to those communitios where the call rested on yesterday. substance as in form: Therefore, that claimed to be the confederate States of America, Resolved, First, that the Committee on Military that this House find in the many acts of disloyalty PENNSYLVANIA JUDICIAL DISTRICTS. Affairs be, and they are hereby, instructed to inquire that have transpired in those communities since its Mr. WILLIAMS, from the Committee on into the expediency of so amending said act as to last adjournment, as well as in the recent elections provide for the payment of an additional bounty to in the loyal States, additional reasons for insisting the Judiciary, reported back, with a recom all soldiers of the lato volunteer forces of the United on the adoption of the pending constitutional amendmendation that it do not pass, House bill No. States who served faithfully in the late war, have ment before it will consider the propriety of giving 65, to create the northern judicial district of been honorably discharged, and have not received them congressional representation. Pennsylvania, and moved that the same be nor are entitled to receive more than $100 bounty The previous question was seconded and the under previous laws; also of amending said act so laid upon the table. that tho soldier shall not be deprived of its benefits main question ordered. The motion was agreed to. by reason of the accidental loss or destruction of Mr. ANCONA moved the resolution be laid his certificate of honorable discharge without fault CLAIMS AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT. on his part, and that the committee; report by bill upon the table. Mr. FINCK demanded the yeas and nays. or otherwise, Mr. WILLIAMS, froin the same committee, Resolved, Second, that the Committee on tho Judi- The yeas and nays were ordered. |